Metaphor Research from the Perspective of Cognitive Linguistics: A Case Study of “Sea” in The Old Man and the Sea

Ruimeng  Xu

doi:10.54691/5j8rcp77

Authors

Ruimeng Xu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/5j8rcp77

Keywords:

The Old Man and the Sea, sea metaphor, cognitive linguistics, literary function, reader reception.

Abstract

This study starts from the perspective of cognitive linguistics, focusing on the “sea” element in Hemingway’s classic work The Old Man and the Sea. By analyzing the description of the sea, this topic tries to reveal the metaphorical concepts such as kindness, cruelty and female power, which are symbolized by the sea. By using the methods of text analysis and the theory of conceptual metaphor, this paper explores the role of these metaphors in shaping the overall style of the work, such as creating the unique literary atmosphere and affecting the readers’ reading experience, which includes the emotional resonance and in-depth thinking these metaphors evoke. From the perspective of cognitive linguistics, this study enriches the understanding of Hemingway’s writing style and provides a new perspective for the integration of cognitive linguistics and literary studies.

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